Atletico Madrid News
Chelsea, Atletico, Bayern have made offers for Real Madrid striker target, claims Italian agent
Dusan Vlahovic is one of Real Madrid’s options to strengthen the centre-forward position for next season. While Karim Benzema will indeed continue, his drop-off in form ignites the need for a backup option and the Merengues maintain it as one of their priorities for June.
According to Italian football agent Massimo Brambati on TMW Radio (h/t Football London), Los Blancos are not the only top European team vying for Vlahovic’s signature.
Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich will all compete with the European champions for the striker and have already sent in offers for him.
“There are three teams that showed up. In my opinion, Juve will take these offers seriously. All of them have an important profile, because they’re Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid,” Brambati said.
Vlahovic has been one of the silver linings in a relatively poor Juventus side who even crashed out of the Europa League earlier this week. In 26 Serie A starts, he has scored 10 goals and provided two assists and has another four-goal contribution to show in the UEL.
The 23-year-old was once again one of Juventus’ best players in the Europa League semifinal against Sevilla in which he even scored the opener. A late comeback and a winner in extra time for the Spanish outfit, however, saw his effort go down in vain.
Vlahovic’s deal with Juventus runs until the summer of 2026. Given that the Old Lady spent close to €81 million for his acquisition less than two years ago, his departure is expected to occur only if a large enough fee is proposed.
Despite a slightly subpar campaign, Vlahovic’s stock remains high and it does not come as a surprise to see top clubs showing an interest in him.
It thus remains to be seen if Real Madrid pursue Vlahovic’s pricey signing or opt for one of Harry Kane or Goncalo Ramos in the summer. The former has just over a year on his contract in London and could be open to a move in June.
Another option on the Merengues‘ table would be to wait for a season with a temporary backup and eye Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe in 2024.
As for Atletico Madrid, it is unlikely that they will be able to afford Vlahovic’s signing unless they are able to permanently offload Joao Felix for their desired €100 million fee.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid, Chelsea contact PSG midfielder’s agent with player set to leave
Atletico Madrid and Chelsea are among the clubs that have made contact with the agent of PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes, who is set to leave this summer.
This claim comes from journalist Martin Arevalo on ESPN, who states that apart from Atletico and Chelsea, an unnamed third club have also established contact with the Argentine international’s representative.
Paredes has been on PSG’s books since January 2019, when he arrived from Zenit St. Petersburg. For a large part of his time at the French capital outfit, the midfielder had been a regular starter in the side.
However, last summer saw Paredes get shipped out on loan to Juventus. He has played 33 times for the Bianconeri this season with a return of one goal and assist apiece.
The Serie A heavyweights, who were recently hit with a 10-point deduction, have the option to purchase him permanently. But, as per the report, his relationship with manager Massimiliano Allegri is not good and a return to PSG is on the cards.
And considering that he is not in the plans back at Parc des Princes either, a permanent departure away seems set in stone for Paredes.
As such, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, and an unnamed club have shown interest in acquiring his services by making contact with the 28-year-old World Cup winner’s agent.
With Koke entering the final phase of his career and Geoffrey Kondogbia expected to leave at the end of the season, the Rojiblancos could do with reinforcements in the centre of the park.
Paredes, who has plenty of experience at the highest level and is known for his aggressive mentality, can be a good fit into Diego Simeone’s setup at the Civitas Metropolitano.
But, with Chelsea also in the picture, things could get tricky for the Colchoneros. After all, Atleti are operating on tight finances and are looking for bargain and free transfer signings in the market with the likes of Marcus Thuram, Jordi Alba, and Raphael Guerreiro emerging as targets.
